Master leadership competencies are only the first part of the puzzle, integrating and optimizing these three is the “MAGIC!”
Bill Joiner and Stephen Josephs (Harvard Graduates), in their research for what companies are seeking in their top 10% executives, found:
1. Catalyst (proactive)
2. Co-creators (High-Performance Team)
3. Synergist (corporate smoothness)
Let me expand on these and share how they can be optimized. Here is the book that I referenced.
Catalysts about 6% of all leaders. The amazing fact is the most leaders above the Senior Vice President level “think” that they are the catalyst – and few truly are! These leader are often seen as Game-Changers! They see the possibility first without any constrictions. From this, they work backward toward developing a path to the idea or concept that they KNOW is possible.
STRENGTH: They cast an enticing vision, and others are drawn to their compelling idea. Indeed they see the BIG picture and most of the integral moving parts. It is exciting to be around them, and they create real differences.
CHALLENGE: The idea is such a reality to them that they believe that just move a few parts, and it will appear. In that it takes time for others to grasp and develop the steps for a successful transformation, they become impatient and often see others around them as the ones who are inadequate.
OPPORTUNITY: The same opportunity is present for all three of these top 10% leaders. They must master ALL THREE of the master competencies, or it leaves gaps that can cost at least costly experiments or a wake of bodies in their journey. The challenge is to get them to an awareness that all three are essential.
The Co-Creators make up about 3% of all leaders. Their uniqueness is that they see how to inspire and invite others to work with them to develop or springboard an even better idea. They are true High-Performance Team builders. Not only do the work and breakthroughs take place, but they are developing future executive leaders in the process.
STRENGTH: High-performance team builders while building great brands and reputations.
CHALLENGE: They do not necessarily see the grander idea that a Catalyst would see. If they are not careful, their focus may be on creating greater efficiencies out of current operations. This is a very limiting focus, and the trait can be found in most senior leaders. The need is to step up to the global aspects and break the barriers to real change – together!
OPPORTUNITY: The same as with the Catalyst and Synergist, become holistic and bring these three masteries together for the greatest impact.
The Synergist is only 1% of all leaders. This element makes them VERY rare and in high demand.
Synergist put the “smooth” into the game-changing concepts and know how to take the ideas and integrate with the culture. This combination makes those around them have a feeling of almost not having to work – it comes more easily. They are certainly great builders of culture and a string of high achievements.
STRENGTH: They have the gift of people skills and an inviting presence. They take either their own idea or someone else’s, gather the right team together (no matter the experience or title, etc.) with a cohesiveness not found with other leaders. They are the pure combination of the Catalyst and Co-Creator to hit a home run.
STRENGTH: The gift of discernment in knowing not only the concepts but the timing and internal and external marketing to maximize the effort.
CHALLENGE: If you ponder for a moment and consider that there are only 1% of all leaders in this mastery, we do not have many models for examples. The challenge is keeping a holistic awareness of who they are and who they are not and not trying to fake the two! Remaining authentic in the middle of unbelievable demands is a challenge.
OPPORTUNITY: This journey welcomes not only this 1% but all leaders to develop and hone their total body, mind, and spirit to be the leader of their dreams and the one all of us desire to see leading our corporations.
INTEGRATION is to blend into a unified whole! Bringing all the parts/units together for a united effort and coordinating passion, efforts, and resources. Many leaders possessing one of these masteries falsely believe one is enough. My observation from coaching these is that it might do more harm to master just one of these and not take a holistic, integrated approach to bring the desired optimized results.
AWARENESS is the magic element critical to mastering leadership. EVERY leader has areas to develop while simultaneously moving confidently with what they have mastered. Learning is constantly embracing awareness to become the best version of yourself!
Find yourself a great coach that is a match for you and a great mentor as well. Place yourself in learning environments where you constantly grow toward the best leader you can become. Have some fun and be realistic with your goals.
WE NEED YOU!!
Dr. Jim